The purpose of this study is to see if individuals with HIV-infection, particularly those with increased belly fat, have abnormalities in the renin angiotensin aldosterone axis. Renin, angiotensin, and aldosterone are hormones that regulate salt and water balance in the body, and they may also have effects on sugar metabolism and cardiovascular health. There is some evidence that individuals with HIV-associated abdominal fat accumulation may have increased aldosterone, which may contribute to abnormalities in sugar metabolism and increased cardiovascular disease seen in HIV. The purpose of this study is the measure renin, angiotensin, and aldosterone activity, as well as other hormonal axes, in people with and without HIV infection, and with and without increased belly fat. The investigators hypothesize that aldosterone will be increased in HIV-infected individuals compared to those without HIV-infection, and that aldosterone will be further increased in HIV-infected individuals with increased abdominal fat compared to those without abdominal fat accumulation.

Angiotensin II (Bachem) will be infused at 0.3 ng/kg/min for 30 minutes, then 1.0 ng/kg/min for 30 minutes, then 3.0 ng/kg/min for 30 minutes; at baseline and at each infusion concentration, serum aldosterone will be measured. BP and heart rate will be monitored at baseline and every 2 minutes during the infusion.

non-HIV-infected Individuals

Drug: Angiotensin II Infusion

Angiotensin II (Bachem) will be infused at 0.3 ng/kg/min for 30 minutes, then 1.0 ng/kg/min for 30 minutes, then 3.0 ng/kg/min for 30 minutes; at baseline and at each infusion concentration, serum aldosterone will be measured. BP and heart rate will be monitored at baseline and every 2 minutes during the infusion.

Current cigarette smoker/use of nicotine (patch/gum) or current active substance abuse

Contacts and Locations

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To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01407237